Puff Pastry Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful dessert that combines flaky, buttery puff pastry with rich, luscious custard, then this Puff Pastry Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe is just what you need. These elegant squares offer the perfect balance of crisp pastry and creamy, vanilla-infused custard that melts in your mouth, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Easy enough to whip up at home yet impressive enough to wow your guests, this recipe brings a bakery-quality dessert right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Puff Pastry Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe is a joy because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect flavor and texture harmony.

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed: This flaky base provides the crisp, buttery layers that make the dessert special.
• 2 cups whole milk: Essential for a rich and creamy custard base.
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Delivers the signature aromatic vanilla flavor.
• 4 large egg yolks: Provide the custard’s silky texture and richness.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness without overpowering.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the custard to the perfect pudding-like consistency.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Enhances creaminess and gives a subtle richness.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to add lightness and volume to the custard.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.

How to Make Puff Pastry Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Roll out each thawed puff pastry sheet slightly with a rolling pin—it smoothens and slightly thins the dough for an even bake. Cut each pastry sheet into 9 equal squares, resulting in 18 squares total.

Step 2: Bake the Pastry Squares

Arrange the puff pastry squares on your prepared baking sheets and prick each square several times with a fork, which stops them from puffing too much. Bake these in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Custard Cream

Place the milk and vanilla bean (if using) in a saucepan over medium heat and gently heat until it begins to simmer. If you opt for vanilla extract, hold off adding it until after the milk is heated. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and pale. Slowly drizzle the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.

Step 4: Cook the Custard

Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring nonstop until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Then remove from heat, stir in the butter until melted and smooth, and if you haven’t used vanilla bean, add the vanilla extract now. Cover the custard directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and let it cool to room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator.

Step 5: Whip the Cream and Combine

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Once the custard is fully chilled, gently fold in the whipped cream until everything is beautifully combined and silky-smooth. This lightens the custard to create that perfect cream filling for the pastry squares.

Step 6: Assemble the Cream Squares

Carefully slice each cooled puff pastry square horizontally to create two layers. Spoon a generous amount of the vanilla custard cream onto the bottom half and sandwich with the top half. For a finishing touch, you can dust the assembled squares with a little powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Puff Pastry Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Puff Pastry Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle some powdered sugar for a classic look. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries pair beautifully by adding a slight tartness and a pop of vibrant color. You can even add a small mint leaf on top for a fresh, herbal contrast.

Side Dishes

These cream squares are perfect on their own but serve wonderfully alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a robust black tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream complements the custard’s richness and adds to the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking two or three squares for a mini dessert tower that is both impressive and delicious. You can also serve them on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce around the edges for a restaurant-style presentation that is sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the assembled cream squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but the puff pastry is best enjoyed on the day of baking to maintain its crispness.

Freezing

While the puff pastry can be frozen before baking, freezing the assembled squares is not recommended as the custard texture may change after thawing. For best results, freeze the uncooked pastry sheets wrapped tightly and thaw them before use.

Reheating

To bring back some crispness to leftover puff pastry squares (without custard), warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid reheating assembled squares with custard to prevent the cream from melting and losing its texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean?

Absolutely! While vanilla beans offer a more intense flavor, good-quality vanilla extract works wonderfully and is more convenient. Just add it after heating the milk to preserve its aroma.

Is it possible to make these squares gluten-free?

If you have access to gluten-free puff pastry, you can substitute it in this recipe. Just be mindful that gluten-free pastry may have a slightly different texture but still delicious when baked properly.

How long does the custard take to chill fully?

For the best results, allow the custard to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This ensures it’s firm enough to hold together when folded with the whipped cream and assembling the squares.

Can I prepare the custard cream the day before?

Yes! Preparing the custard cream a day ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it covered and chilled until you’re ready to whip the cream and assemble.

What if my puff pastry puffs up too much during baking?

Pricking the pastry squares multiple times with a fork is key to preventing excessive puffing. If they do still puff a bit, carefully slice them horizontally with a serrated knife to create the layers for filling.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Puff Pastry Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe a try because it’s one of those feel-good desserts that never disappoints. It’s simple, elegant, and irresistibly tasty, with each bite offering flaky layers paired with dreamy vanilla custard. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a tea party, or just a sweet treat to enjoy on a cozy afternoon, these squares make every moment special. Happy baking!

Puff Pastry Vanilla Custard Cream Squares Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 27 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 18 squares 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delight in these delectable Puff Pastry Vanilla Custard Cream Squares featuring flaky golden pastry layers filled with a luscious vanilla custard cream. Perfect as an elegant dessert or a sweet treat for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed

Vanilla Custard Cream

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare puff pastry squares: Roll out each thawed puff pastry sheet gently with a rolling pin to smooth and slightly thin them. Cut each sheet into 9 equal squares, resulting in a total of 18 squares.
3. Prevent puffing: Arrange the squares on the lined baking sheets. Prick each square multiple times with a fork to stop excessive puffing during baking.
4. Bake the pastry: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the squares are golden brown and crisp. Transfer them to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
5. Heat milk and infuse vanilla: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk with the vanilla bean pod until just simmering. If using vanilla extract instead, omit it now and add it later after heating.
6. Mix egg yolks and dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and pale in color.
7. Temper the eggs: Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
8. Cook custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
9. Finish custard and cool: Remove from heat, stir in the butter until melted. Add vanilla extract now if using instead of the bean. Cover the custard’s surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
10. Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy texture.
11. Combine custard and whipped cream: Once the custard is chilled, gently fold in the whipped cream until smooth and creamy without deflating the volume.
12. Assemble the squares: Carefully slice each puff pastry square horizontally into two layers. Spoon a generous amount of the custard cream onto the bottom half, then place the top layer over it.
13. Serve and garnish: Optionally, dust the assembled custard squares with powdered sugar before serving to add a delicate finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling for even texture.
• Pricking the pastry prevents it from puffing too much, keeping it flat for layering.
• Tempering the eggs with hot milk prevents curdling and ensures smooth custard.
• Cover custard with plastic wrap directly on its surface to avoid skin formation.
• Use a sharp serrated knife to slice puff pastry squares cleanly without crushing.
• These custard squares are best enjoyed the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option, but flavor and texture will differ.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French